Awesome deep blue lapis inlaid in a sterling silver man's band by artisan Mark Hileman. Masterfully inlaid with 9 pieces of top quality lapis lazuli from Afganistan. Handmade inlay ring measures 6.5mm wide and is a size 10 1/4. A matching his and hers sterling silver inlaid lapis wedding set could also be made. This lapis inlay ring is available in other sizes and may be customized in other inlay materials by special order. Customization options. Please allow 3 to 6 weeks to make this ring in other sizes or special color combinations.

Lapis Lazuli has been highly valued for many thousands of years. The most famous locality for fine quality lapis lazuli is the same ancient deposit high in the mountains of Afganistan where it was originally mined at least 6000 years ago. The value of lapis is determined almost exclusively by color, with deep, intense, blue with violet tones being at the apex. Fine grained, uniform specimens, such as the ones used in this ring, attain a smooth highly polished surface not seen in lower grades. Calcite inclusions always lower the value, but pyrite inclusions enhance it in the minds of many collectors and jewelry lovers. The quality of polish, and the artistry of fashioning are also factors in value.